The new Mazda3 is a core car for the Japanese maker, accounting for a third of the brand’s global sales. This third-generation model is sure to be even better than its predecessor, with dramatically different – and appealing – styling, especially on its front, which receives Mazda's newly-refined family nose.

Its new guise will serve it well against stiff hatchback competition from the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. Fresh looks could help it here, along with its efficient engines and impressive equipment and safety kit.

Performance

The entry-level diesel engine is a 1.5-litre with 104bhp, which still gets the Mazda3 from 0-62mph in a respectable 11.0 seconds. Above this sits a 2.2-litre with 148bhp and an impressive 380Nm of pulling power that feels very punchy. Acceleration to 62mph from rest takes 8.1 seconds, so it's no slouch, but it feels even more lively when overtaking. The standard six-speed manual gearbox is very snappy and direct, making it a delight to use, but both engines are also available with an automatic option.

Petrol engines include a 1.5-litre unit with 99bhp and a 2.0-litre, available with either 118bhp or 163bhp. The latter option is the most potent petrol on offer and allows you to complete the benchmark sprint in 8.2 seconds – slightly slower than the diesel but still pretty fast. Feather the throttle with the 163bhp variant and the Mazda picks up well, demonstrating more than enough power to enable you to overtake slower traffic on single-lane carriageways. The 118bhp petrol is available with an automatic gearbox, while other versions come with a six-speed manual.

Ride and Handling

Thanks to strict weight-cutting during its development, the Mazda3 is lighter than before

The Mazda3 has historically enjoyed a reputation for being fun to drive and the new model continues the trend. Your driving position is good and there's a harmonious feel to all the controls, including the steering, which is precise and quick to react.  Thanks to strict weight-cutting during its development, the Mazda3 is lighter than before, helping it to handle with agility and not too much body roll in corners. Because it isn't too heavy, Mazda also hasn't had too make the suspension excessively firm, so it soaks up most bumps. Refinment at motorway speeds is pretty good too, but it's a little less quiet than the Golf or Hyundai i30.

Interior and Equipment

The Mazda3 is the third vehicle to incorporate the brand’s Kodo Soul of Motion design language, following the CX-5 SUV and the Mazda6 saloon.

The Mazda3 has a well laid-out and very fuss-free cabin, thanks to most controls being taken care of by the tablet-style touch-screen mounted above the dashboard and a central controller wheel found behind the gearlever.  This gives it a neat, high-quality feel and most of the plastics look pretty good too. Complaints? There are a few cheap-looking buttons, and the steering wheel is quite cluttered, but there's nothing major to really spoil the overall look and feel. Trim levels include SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav, with the entry-level SE getting features like air-con, a seven-inch touch-screen, DAB radio and a leather steering wheel as standard. Moving up to SE-L trim brings cruise control, climate control and reversing sensors, while Sport models benefit from attractive 18-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, Bose speakers and a Head-up Display, so key information is visible without looking down at the instruments. Practicality wise, the Mazda3 offers 364 litres minimum in the boot, rising to 1,263 litres when you fold the seats down. This exceeds the Focus’ 316 and 1,101 litres of luggage capacity. A Fastback version of the Mazda3 is also available with a 420-litre boot.

Cost

The most efficient unit in the Mazda3 line-up is the 1.5-litre diesel, with an official 74.3mpg

The most efficient unit in the Mazda3 line-up is the 1.5-litre diesel, with an official 74.3mpg and emissons of 99g/km, keeping running costs to a minimum. Fuel economy remains the same if you go for an automatic, but emissions climb to 114g/km. The 2.2-litre diesel is also very impressive, emitting 107g/km and claiming to return an average of 68.9mpg, despite its turn of speed. Perhaps suprisingly, economy figures of 55mpg and 119g/km are identical for both the 1.5-litre petrol engine and entry-level 2.0-litre, despite the latter's performance advantage.

Our Verdict

The Mazda3 is a stylish-looking car that will not only turn heads but will also impress enthusiasts, offering a dynamic drive aligned with competitive running costs. So, while the family hatchback class might be as competitive as a dinosaur's dinner party, the Mazda3 is definitely worth putting on your shortlist, particularly if you want something a bit different.